It seems lately that I am always saying, “I love this time of year!” It is no secret that I find particular fascination with the period of time from Halloween through January.

First we get to be ridiculous and get all dressed up as characters, then we hop right into a month focused on gratitude, followed by the miracles and magic of the holidays (which for me is Christmas), and then... January!

For those of you who are familiar with the magazine or one of my radio shows, you know I am at heart a very hopeful person. To me, that’s what the beginning of the year embodies - the hope of new beginnings.

Whether your beginnings coincide with the beginning of the new year or whether you claim your right to begin again in a particular area of your life, these opportunities to create a fresh start give us hope.

Perhaps your vision for yourself is one in which you practice better self care, decide that fitness is a higher priority, or simply want to feel more authentically who you are in this world. Regardless of your particular vision, the inherent desire to take on a new challenge, begin a new or deeper direction, or make a change can create great excitement and dedication.

Many of us, particularly in Michigan, but also in unfortunately any number of places in the world today, want a fresh start financially. The economy has been challenging, and for some, downright devastating for our personal and professional finances. There are resources out there, debt relief agencies, credit counseling organizations, finance managers. If the new start you have envisioned for yourself this year is financial, Pete Fortin has provided a great article to get you started on your way to setting a new tone with your finances.

Regardless of whether your new beginning is initiated as a result of a crisis or merely the next phase of your own personal progression plan, embrace it! As you’ve heard me say before, we all deserve a fresh start. We all deserve to begin again in any area of life we choose.

New beginnings can also be tinged with fear, for often they are the result of something else in your life ending. What I’ve learned during my life is that even though beginnings can sometimes be scary, the rewards from beginning down a new path and embracing the unknown are enormous. I hope for us all a glorious season of new beginnings, new-found wisdom, and abundant hope! Let 2011 begin!